An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International Nuclear Security Advisory Service (INSServ) mission to Zambia has assessed the nuclear security regime for nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control (MORC). The team recognised Zambia’s commitment to nuclear security and its efforts to prevent, detect and respond to unauthorised acts involving MORC. It recommended strengthening capacity building and coordination among stakeholders.
The mission, hosted by the Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) of Zambia, was led by Samer Quran, Director of the National Centre for Nuclear and Radiological Security at the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission in Jordan. The team comprised of five experts from Argentina, Egypt, Jordan, Norway and the US, as well as two IAEA staff members.
“Following an International Physical Protection Advisory Service in 2023, the first INSServ mission in Zambia builds on the country’s ongoing efforts to improve its nuclear security regime by leveraging the available IAEA assistance mechanisms,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. “We are looking forward to continued cooperation with Zambia’s competent authorities for strengthening nuclear security.”
The INSServ team conducted a series of meetings with officials from the RPA, the Office of the President, the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Technology and Science, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Zambia Police Service, National Anti-Terrorism Center, Immigration Department, Zambia Airports Cooperation, Civil Aviation Authority and Zambia Revenue Authority.
The team visited the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the Kazungula (land) Border, the RPA Inland Office in Livingstone, the Kapiri-Mposhi Railway Station and the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research.
“The country has made progress in developing and implementing nuclear security measures at its borders and within its territory. The mission confirmed Zambia’s commitment to further improvements concluding that the country should continue to build on its efforts to strengthen multi-agency cooperation and coordination among national competent authorities responsible for nuclear security,” said Samer Quran. The team recommended that Zambia develop comprehensive training programmes for its personnel, including exercises. The experts identified good practices in the field of information security and in processes aimed at reducing the risk of insider threats.
“The INSServ mission marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s commitment to strengthening nuclear security. The recommendations received will guide our efforts to build a robust and resilient nuclear security regime, protecting our people from the risks posed by nuclear and radioactive material outside regulatory control,” said Boster D Siwila, Executive Director of the RPA. The draft findings and recommendations of the mission were presented to Zambia, and the final report will be issued in about three months.
